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Import taxes?

M

Mr. Zebraface

Oct 5, 2002
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Liverpool, England. The home o
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#1
Hello, I guess this is OT, if not, mods please feel free to move it. :)

Ok, I want to import a Jazz Bass with a soft case over from Japan, from Ishibashi Music. I've looked all over the place on the net for info, but can't find any. Does anyone know what the approximate cost of this would be? I think it's like 17.5% VAT, and some sort of import tax as well.

Thanks if anyone can help me.
 
#4
I have imported a fair number of instruments from the US. Everytime I have done so there is an import duty levelled before the VAT is calculated. This is usually between 3% and 5%. The shipping charge is also taxed (why??). The VAT is then calculated on the new amount (including the duty). You can get quite a lot of info from the customs and excise site including the rates of exchange being used for the month of import. I have found the C&E to be very helpful in explaining all this kind of stuff. The gift/sample idea will sometimes work but might cause some investigation from C&E for a large value item. I hope this helps.

The link is for the web site :-

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#5
as you can see at the left. i'm from germany, but it looks as if Nick Bassman's description applies here as well.

i'll be importing a nordstrand (YES-YES-YES!), and the german customs office told me the following:

3% duty on (instrument price + shipping)
vat (17%) on (duty + bass' price + shipping)
 
#6
Yes - Customs routinely levy import duty. If they actually decide to open up your package, being suspicious about its contents, they will raise a charge for their time in doing this - which can add even more!!

I think you want to be careful about being "dishonest" with customs as well - apart from a big fine if they catch you - you could end up with a criminal record as well!! :hmm:

Something as big as a bass is not going to get through un-noticed and there is next-to-no chance of it avoiding charges. Whereas small packages with a customs sticker, saying they have no commercial value can often avoid duty...?
 
#8
Originally posted by Bruce Lindfield
Yes - Customs routinely levy import duty. If they actually decide to open up your package, being suspicious about its contents, they will raise a charge for their time in doing this - which can add even more!!

I think you want to be careful about being "dishonest" with customs as well - apart from a big fine if they catch you - you could end up with a criminal record as well!! :hmm:

Something as big as a bass is not going to get through un-noticed and there is next-to-no chance of it avoiding charges. Whereas small packages with a customs sticker, saying they have no commercial value can often avoid duty...?
Click to expand...


Some bass parts I ordered from stewmac got caught in customs, they called me and wanted to charge me 40€ for opening the box, i said no way (the parts cost ~$50) and after a bit of name-calling they agreed to ship the parcel to the nearest customs-office (free!) and have me open it.
 

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